“Fifty-fifty” — Arne Slot uncertain if Liverpool pair will be ready to face Wolves at Anfield.
Arne Slot has provided an update on Liverpool’s injury situation ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Wolves.
The Reds head into the festive schedule with several players unavailable, a list recently expanded by Alexander Isak after he suffered a fractured fibula. Slot has confirmed the striker is expected to be out for at least “a couple of months”.
Alongside that long-term blow, Liverpool are also without Conor Bradley, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo, although there is hope that one or two could return in time for Wolves’ visit to Anfield next Saturday.
Slot delivers fitness update on Liverpool players
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday (via Liverpool Echo), Slot outlined the latest on his squad.
He said: “Conor is 50/50. He’s not training with us today or tomorrow. On Friday we’ll see where he is and if he can be in the squad. Joe won’t be available, Wata won’t be either. Cody is in a similar situation to Conor.”
There was more positive news regarding Florian Wirtz, with his late withdrawal against Tottenham Hotspur attributed to cramp rather than injury.
Potential boosts for Wolves clash
With Gomez ruled out, Slot will be anxiously monitoring Bradley’s recovery to determine whether the Northern Ireland international can be fit for Saturday. While his availability remains uncertain, the return of Jeremie Frimpong at least provides a natural option at right-back.
Gakpo’s situation looks slightly more encouraging, with Slot indicating the forward “could be back” for the Wolves game. Given Liverpool’s stretched attacking resources — with Isak injured and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations — the Dutchman’s return would be a significant boost
Saturday’s fixture comes during a rare lull in Liverpool’s schedule, with it being their only match in the final 11 days of December. However, January brings a demanding run of nine games, a period that will severely test squad depth.
Slot will be hoping his side emerge from the Wolves encounter without further setbacks, with fingers crossed that Bradley and Gakpo can edge their way back in time to strengthen the squad.
